RAAF Base Richmond 100th Anniversary Airshow: A Spectacular Celebration Takes Flight
A Historic Weekend Draws Record Crowds to Commemorate Century of Aviation Excellence
Report by Daniel Vorbach
Images by Daniel Vorback, Jaryd Stock & Ryan Imeson
October 2, 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force Base Richmond celebrated its centennial in spectacular fashion over the weekend of September 27-28, 2025, with a breathtaking airshow that drew approximately 80,000 aviation enthusiasts and families to the historic Hawkesbury facility. The soldout event marked a fitting tribute to Australia’s second oldest Air Force base and New South Wales’ oldest operational airfield.
A Century of Service Above the Blue Mountains
Nestled in the shadow of the Blue Mountains and beside the winding Hawkesbury River, RAAF Base Richmond has been a cornerstone of Australian aviation since 1925. The base, proudly known as the “Home of the Herc, has housed iconic aircraft throughout its storied history, from the venerable C-47 Dakota and DHC-4 Caribou to today’s modern C-130J Hercules operated by No. 37 Squadron.
Aerial Spectacle Showcases Modern RAAF Capabilities
The airshow delivered an extraordinary display of Australian Defence Force aviation capabilities, with flying displays conducted each day against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Mountains. The aerial program featured an impressive lineup of RAAF aircraft that demonstrated the service’s technological evolution and operational readiness.
Modern Combat Aircraft:
F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter showcasing next-generation air power
F/A-1 BF Super Hornet multi-role fighter demonstrating tactical flexibility
EA-1 BG Growler electronic warfare aircraft (Static Display Only)
Transport and Support Fleet:
C-17 A Globemaster Ill strategic airlifters C-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter
KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft
E- 7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft
P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft
PC-21 Advanced Trainer & Foward Air Control Aircraft
Heritage and Aerobatic Displays:
No. 100 Squadron heritage aircraft celebrating the base’s rich history
The renowned Roulettes Aerobatic Team delivering precision formation flying
Hawk 127 advanced training aircraft demonstration
HARS aircraft:
DHC-4 Caribou, a STOL transport aircraft, delivered to the RAAF in Vietnam
SP-2H Neptune, a Maritime Patrol & ASW aircraft
Fokker FVIIB, the venerable ‘Southern Cross’ replica
C-478 Dakota, a transport aircraft based on the legendary DC-3 Ground-Based Attractions
Beyond the aerial spectacle, the airshow provided families and aviation enthusiasts with extensive ground based attractions.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to walk across the historic tarmac and explore static aircraft displays, offering an opportunity to get up close with the aircraft & systems that define modern air power.
The event featured comprehensive Defence exhibits, flight simulators, and demonstrations by military working dogs and firefighters. These ground displays highlighted the diverse capabilities and personnel that make RAAF Base Richmond a vital component of Australia’s defence infrastructure.
Unprecedented Community Response
The airshow’s popularity was evident in the overwhelming public response, with tickets selling out in a matter of hours.
The anticipated daily attendance of 40,000 visitors was exceeded, reflecting the deep connection between the base and the broader Hawkesbury community. Transport NSW coordinated special train services to and from Clarendon Station to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.
A Successful Continuation of Tradition
Building on the success of the previous RAAF Base events, this Centennial airshow represented a significant expansion in scale and scope. The event served as an important avenue for community engagement with the RAAF, promoting understanding of the service’s role in national defence while celebrating the base’s deep historical roots in the region.
Looking Forward: The Next Century of Service
As RAAF Base Richmond enters its second century of operations, the successful airshow demonstrated the facility’s continued relevance and importance to Australia’s defence capabilities. The base remains a vital hub for transport operations, training activities, and community engagement, ensuring its legacy will extend well beyond its centennial milestone.
The Richmond Air Show 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian community, showcasing not only the technological advancement of military aviation but also the proud tradition of service that has defined this historic base for the past 100 years.
Daniel Vorbach is based in Ipswich, Queensland but born and bred in Sydney. With a passion for Military & General aviation he made the jump in 2002 & moved to Ipswich just to get closer to the mighty F-111. Growing up in the shadows of Sydney’s Bankstown Airport he quickly developed a passion for aviation at a very early age. A late convert from film to digital SLR cameras, Daniel uses Canon equipment.